Climbers are so hard to please!
If you are still searching for that perfect gift for the climber in your life how about a climbing expedition?
OK, if you are still reading, this is a fast, salve somewhat serious look at the ‘value for altitude’ your money can . By the way, I will be publishing my annual look at the cost to climb Everest in a few weeks.
As always, your climber must have the proper skills, experience and leadership before attempting any of these climbs.
I selected these because:
- reasonable guided price and/or permit fee
- difficulty ranges from easy to moderate to very hard
- no extreme technical skills required
- a variety of altitudes all the way to 8000m
- I have personally climbed each one (Lobuche was part of Everest 2011)
- I think they represent some of the most enjoyable climbs around
This table has links to my own page with a full trip report, and pictures.
| Mountain | Altitude | Difficulty | Length | Avg. Guided Cost | Comments |
Pikes Peak | 14,115′ (4302m) | Moderate Hike | 2 days | N/A Free! | Trail to summit but spend the night at Barr Camp for a full mountain experience |
| Rainier Washington State | 14,410′ (4392m) | Medium Climbing | 4 days | $990 | As tough as it gets in the Lower 48 with avalanches and crevasses |
| Mont Blanc France/Italy | 15,771′ (4807m) | Medium Climbing | 2 days | $2,500 | French Alp climbing complete with huts and crowds and amazing views |
| Kala Patar Nepal | 18,055′ (5503m) | Trek and scramble | 3 Weeks | $2,500 | The trek will change your life and the views of Everest are the |
| Orizaba Mexico | 18,880′ (5730m) | Medium Climbing | 1 Week | $2,000 | Mexico’s highest that offers a bit of everything |
| Kilimanjaro Africa | 19,340′ (5896m) | Moderate Trek | 2 weeks | $4,000 | The iconic climb for aspiring mountaineers at high altitude. Take the safari option! |
| Lobuche East Nepal | 22,075′ (6119m) | Moderate Climbing | 3 Weeks | $5,000 | A “Trekking Peak” that offers a true Himalayan climbing experience |
| Aconcagua Argentina | 22,902′ (6980m) | Moderate Trek/Climb | 3 Weeks | $4,500 | The highest outside the Himalaya, Non-technical but will test you in every way |
| Cho Oyu Tibet | 26,907′ (8201m) | Hard Mountaineering | 6 Weeks | $18,000 | The 6th highest on Earth. A true expedition requiring all you have. Perfect training for the BIG one. |
Other climbs that meet my value criteria would those in Ecuador, and Peru. I left off some of my favorite climbs because they didn’t meet my criteria for “value” including Denali, Everest and Vinson. For thoughts on who to climb with, visit guide page.
Have a great 2013.
Climb On!
Alan
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6 thoughts on “The BIG Mountain Bargains for Your Climber”
I was on the fence about whether to add a safari at the end of my Kili climb for next year and this post made me decide for it. Thanks
Glad to help Maury. In some respects the safari is better than the climb! Take a big zoom lens … 🙂
An inspiring roundup. Summiting Rainier with my sixteen year old godson was priceless.
It was a toss up between Lobuche and Kala Patar for my vote. Thanks for the review- fun and practical!
A very helpful and comprehensive blog. I have emailed it to my middle son who is having difficulty deciding what adventure to go for in the coming year. Meanwhile we send Good Wishes for a Happy Christmas and a successful New Year. Cheers Kate
A helpful review – thanks. I will take one of each please!
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